As winter settles into the mountains, many of our trails go through a quiet but punishing cycle called freeze-thaw. Even on days that feel mild, what’s happening beneath your feet can make a big difference for trail health.

What is freeze-thaw?

When daytime temperatures rise above freezing, snow and ice melt and soak the trail surface. Overnight, when temperatures drop, that water freezes. As it freezes, it expands and pushes soil particles apart, which weakens the trail structure. When it thaws the next day, the ground becomes soft and unstable.

This cycle can repeat daily for weeks.

Why muddy trails are vulnerable

When trails are frozen solid, they’re surprisingly resilient. The real damage happens during thaw. Soft, saturated soil can’t support weight the way dry or frozen ground can. Footsteps, bike tires, and horse hooves press into the trail, creating ruts and deep footprints. Then, when the trail dries, it:

  • Channels water down the trail
  • Accelerates erosion
  • Turns into a long-term maintenance issue

What looks like a minor muddy spot today can become a major repair project later.

Why we sometimes ask you to stay off the trails

Seasonal trail closures, or “please avoid muddy trails” messages, aren’t about limiting access—they’re about protecting the trail so it can reopen sooner and last longer.

Every time someone uses a trail during thaw conditions, it increases:

  • Maintenance needs
  • Volunteer labor hours
  • And the risk of long-term damage

In extreme cases, repeated freeze-thaw damage can require full trail reconstruction.

How you can help our trails

  • If it’s muddy, skip it. Choose paved greenways, gravel roads, or wait for colder temps.
  • Check conditions before you go. Trail status updates help everyone make good decisions.
  • Spread the word. A quick reminder to friends goes a long way.
  • Volunteer when the time is right. Trail work after winter makes a massive impact.

Thank you for loving the Forest

Protecting trails during freeze-thaw season is one of the simplest—and most powerful—ways to care for the places we love. A little patience now means safer, more sustainable trails for everyone all year long.

Thanks for doing your part to tread lightly this winter.